Undiscovered Greek Islands

Arrive in Istanbul to embark the Corinthian.

Arrive in bucolic Limnos, in the northeast corner of the Aegean Sea. Its capital and port, Myrina, is built below a rocky promontory, crowned by a Byzantine castle, and is graced with stone houses. Ascend to the castle, which was the site of a temple of Artemis in Classical times, and view the superb artifacts at the Archaeological Museum. Also, explore two of the city’s ancient sites, Hephaestia and Kabirion, both beautifully sited on the shores of a bay.

Skopelos’s main town is built against a hill rising from the sea. As you explore the island, discover some of the most characteristic Aegean architecture—whitewashed cube-shaped houses with blue slate roofs. Scattered around the countryside are numerous little churches preserving beautiful icons from the 17th and 18th centuries.

Awake this morning in Chios, the Greek island claiming to be Homer’s birthplace. The island’s volcanic rock formations and deep green valleys forge a landscape of stunning color oppositions and intricate appearances. Visit the 11th-century Monastery of Nea Moni, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most important ecclesiastical monuments in Greece. The Monastery sits majestically in a wooded vale and is decorated throughout with exquisite frescoes and mosaics.

Sail to Symi, once the stronghold of the Knights of St. John and the coveted object of a succession of invaders. With tiers of beautifully proportioned neoclassical mansions rising above its harbor, today Symi is one of Greece’s most attractive islands. Over lunch, sail to the island of Nisyros with its impressive volcano. The drive to the crater provides magnificent views and upon arrival, you’ll have the opportunity to walk to the caldera. Continue to the charming village of Nikiá, positioned atop the crater, where you’ll have time to stroll through its quaint streets, enjoy time at leisure, or visit its volcanological museum.

Arrive at Amorgos, a seldom-visited island in the Cyclades group, whose whitewashed villages are set in a rugged landscape. A tour leads to the 11th-century Monastery of Khosoviotissa, built in a spectacular setting of precipitous cliffs facing the sea. For over 1,000 years, the monastery has been a place of pilgrimage for worshippers who come to venerate an icon of the Virgin.

Call at the small volcanic island of Folegandros. From the harbor, a narrow road leads to Hora, a charming village that has preserved a portion of the medieval town that preceded it. Enjoy relaxing in this quaint village, built upon a 200-meter cliff, with its smart cafes and delightful tavernas. Continue to the unspoiled island of Sifnos, where the distinctive cubic style of Cycladic architecture prevails. Explore the former island capital at Kastro, an impeccably kept village that has retained much of its medieval character. Continue to Apollonia, a Cycladic labyrinth of white houses, flowers, and belfries, and its twin village Artemonas, with its impressive Venetian-style houses and their distinctive chimneys.

Disembark in Piraeus and transfer to the airport in Athens for return flights home.